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Species360’s (ZIMS) Latest Updates: What They Mean for Animal Care and Conservation
Species360’s latest updates show a clear direction for the zoological sector: better data, more practical tools for animal-care teams and stronger connections between daily husbandry, welfare, research and conservation.
For zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks and other animal collections, technology is only useful when it improves real work. Records need to be accurate, accessible and connected to the decisions made by keepers, registrars, veterinarians, curators and managers. The latest Species360 news provides a useful snapshot of how that connection is developing.
This article reviews three recent Species360 updates: the August 2026 expansion of the team supporting ZIMS, the new mobile-friendly On-the-go Enrichment workflow, and the partnership with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to connect biobanking data with animal-care records.
1. New expertise supporting the future of ZIMS
In its 31 August 2026 update, Species360 introduced four new team members joining from Belgium, Brazil and Colombia. Their experience includes zoo and wildlife medicine, software engineering, product development and business-systems automation.
Dr. An Pas joined as a part-time Product Analyst for ZIMS for Medical. Species360 says she brings experience as a zoo and wildlife veterinarian, conservation-medicine specialist and long-time ZIMS user, with work spanning several countries and animal-health settings.
Jonathan Cruz and Mateo Contreras joined as Product Engineers working on ZIMS, while Guilherme Nichetti joined as a Business Systems Engineer supporting business-systems automation. Species360 presents their appointments as part of the work needed to build, modernise and maintain the systems on which members depend.
That may sound like a behind-the-scenes development, but it has direct relevance to animal collections. Every digital platform used for animal records depends on people who understand software, data structures, veterinary information, user needs and the realities of working with animals.
2. Enrichment records can now be made at the enclosure
On 27 August 2026, Species360 announced a new mobile-friendly Enrichment workflow in ZIMS Data Entry. The update allows users to record enrichment sessions from a mobile device at the time they happen.
The workflow is goal-based rather than item-based. Users can identify an enrichment goal, assign multiple enrichment items to that goal and assign the items to animals during the same process, where permissions allow. Species360 gives the example of selecting a group of meerkats, recording a ball-pit session and assigning the item to a newly added animal at the same time.
The update also supports QR-code access to the Data Entry screen at an enclosure. Species360 says the mobile workflow is available to all ZIMS users, although local permissions may need to be checked with a ZIMS administrator.
Why this matters in practice
Enrichment is not just an activity added to a daily checklist. It should have a purpose, be appropriate for the animals involved and be reviewed for its effect. Recording sessions promptly can help teams build a more accurate picture of what has been offered, which animals received it and how enrichment relates to husbandry and welfare planning.
The quality of the record still depends on the quality of the entry. Teams need agreed terminology, realistic procedures and staff who understand the reason for recording the information. A mobile tool can remove friction, but it cannot replace professional judgement.
3. Species 360 and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance advance global biobanking
On 14 August 2026, Species360 announced a partnership with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance focused on connecting biobanking data with animal health, wildlife-care and population-management records.
The partnership involves SDZWA’s Frozen Zoo, which Species360 describes as the world’s largest repository of viable wildlife cells, and ZIMS. Species360 reports that the Frozen Zoo contains more than 11,500 cell lines representing more than 1,300 species and subspecies.
The planned work will develop capabilities within ZIMS to catalogue and track cryopreserved samples alongside information already held by Species360 member institutions. Species360 says the aim is to create a shared global system linking biobanking data directly with animal health, wildlife-care records and population-management tools.
The proposed benefits include standardising and securing cryopreservation data, improving access to information about sample holdings, supporting conservation priorities and documenting chain of custody and provenance. The announcement also refers to respecting partnerships with Indigenous communities and supporting equitable benefit-sharing.
Why biobanking belongs in the wider collection conversation
Biobanking is sometimes discussed as a specialist scientific activity, separate from everyday animal care. In reality, the value of a biological sample depends on the quality of the information connected to it: the identity of the animal, its history, health context, provenance and permissions around use.
That makes accurate collection records important to more than registrars and studbook keepers. They can provide the foundation for responsible research, future reproductive technologies and population planning, provided that data governance and consent requirements are respected.
The common thread: useful data starts with good practice
These three Species360 updates are different, but they share one message. Better conservation data does not appear by magic. It is built from accurate records, usable systems, trained people and collaboration between institutions.
Keepers need practical ways to record observations and enrichment while working at the enclosure.
Veterinary and animal-care teams need systems that connect health information with wider population knowledge.
Registrars and managers need reliable records that can support transfers, research, studbooks and collection planning.
Technology teams need to understand the operational and welfare context in which their systems are used.
Institutions need clear procedures so information remains reliable when staff, animals and circumstances change.
What should animal collections review?
Species360’s updates are a useful prompt for collections to review their own systems. Consider whether staff can record information at the point of care, whether data is checked and corrected, and whether the information can be used beyond the immediate task.
Are enrichment goals and sessions recorded consistently?
Do staff have the permissions, training and time needed to use ZIMS properly?
Can animal records be linked confidently to health, welfare, breeding and transfer decisions?
Are historic records complete enough to support current management?
Is the responsibility for checking data clearly assigned?
Could another member of staff understand the record without relying on informal memory?
How Animal Insights Consultancy can help
At Animal Insights Consultancy Ltd, I help zoos, wildlife parks, zoological collections and animal-management education providers turn professional standards into practical systems that work in the real world.
My Zoo Registrar and ZIMS support includes record management, data clean-up, structure, staff confidence and support with historic or incomplete animal information. The aim is to make records a genuine operational strength rather than a last-minute administrative burden.
The wider Animal Insights Consultancy services include animal welfare, husbandry, licensing, staff CPD, health and safety, habitat design, education and collection management. These areas are connected: good records support good decisions, while good husbandry creates better information to record.
I bring more than 35 years of hands-on zoological experience and am a qualified assessor for animal-care and animal-management apprenticeship and end-point assessment standards. You can read more about my background on the Animal Insights Consultancy About page.
Conclusion
Species360’s latest updates show a sector moving towards more connected, evidence-informed practice. A mobile enrichment workflow brings recording closer to the animals. New technical and veterinary expertise supports the continued development of ZIMS. The biobanking partnership points towards a future in which genetic resources, animal-care records and population management can work together more effectively.
The lesson for every collection is straightforward: invest in accurate records, usable procedures and confident staff. Data is most valuable when it improves animal care today while also contributing to the knowledge needed for conservation tomorrow.
If your organisation is reviewing its ZIMS workflow, animal records, welfare systems or staff capability, contact Animal Insights Consultancy to arrange a relaxed, no-obligation conversation.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the latest Species360 update?
Species360’s blog lists its 31 August 2026 article introducing four new team members supporting ZIMS and business systems as its latest listed update at the time this article was prepared.
What is new in ZIMS enrichment?
The new On-the-go Enrichment workflow is mobile-friendly, goal-based and allows users to record enrichment sessions from a device at the enclosure, subject to permissions.
What is the Species360 biobanking partnership?
Species360 and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced work to connect biobanking data with animal health, wildlife-care and population-management records in ZIMS.
How can Animal Insights Consultancy help?
Animal Insights Consultancy can support organisations with Zoo Registrar and ZIMS work, animal welfare, husbandry, licensing, staff CPD, habitat design, education and collection management.
Carl GroombridgeDirector, Animal Insights Consultancy Ltd
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